Chase Cars Explained: Sharing My Favourite Rare Die-Cast Chase Cars from Ertl/Joyride Studios & Johnny Lightning
- MovieRepliCars
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever opened a die-cast case or scrolled through collector photos and spotted a car that looks just a little different, you may have stumbled across a Chase Car. These rare variants are some of the most exciting finds in the die-cast hobby—and today I’m sharing what Chase Cars are, why they’re so collectible, and my favourite Chase Cars from Ertl/Joyride Studios, and Johnny Lightning.
Disclaimer: Prices listed in this article refer to the product only and do not include shipping costs. All prices were correct as of January 2026. The links eBay may change overtime.
Whether you’re new to collecting or a seasoned die-cast hunter, Chase Cars add that extra thrill to the chase—sometimes literally.
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What Are Chase Cars?
A Chase Car is a limited-production variant hidden within a regular die-cast release. They’re produced in much smaller numbers compared to standard versions, making them harder to find and more desirable among collectors.
Chase Cars often feature:
Unique paint schemes or finishes
Limited numbers produced from 1,000 to 10,000
Special wheels or tyres
Alternate interiors or body details
Limited markings, numbers, or packaging differences
Because they’re randomly packed into cases, collectors never know when—or if—they’ll find one.
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Why Are Chase Cars So Popular?
Chase Cars appeal to collectors for several reasons:
Rarity
Most Chase Cars are produced at a fraction of the standard run—sometimes as low as 1 per case or even fewer.
Exclusivity
Owning a Chase Car means having something many collectors will never see in person.
Investment Value
Some Chase Cars appreciate significantly over time, especially unopened examples or those tied to popular films, TV shows, or automotive icons.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Finding a Chase Car in the wild beats buying one second-hand—every time.
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My Favourite Chase Cars from Ertl/Joyride Studios and Johnny Lightning
Released in the early 2000s, some of these replicas can still be found today on secondary marketplaces like eBay and Amazon.
Herbie Fully Loaded
Ertl/Joyride Studios - Bluesmobile - 1970 Mt. Prospect Police Dodge Monaco Sedan - 1/18 scale
Chase Version Released 2006 SKU 51017A. Could not find on eBay.
Standard Version Released 2005 SKU 51017. Asking Price on eBay $199.99.00USD
Another chase car version - Herbie Fully Loaded Dirty version with White Wall Wheels.
Price on eBay $154USD
The Blues Brothers
Ertl/Joyride Studios - Bluesmobile - 1970 Mt. Prospect Police Dodge Monaco Sedan - 1/18 scale
Standard Version Released 2005 SKU 33181. Asking Price on eBay $475.00USD
Chase Version Released 2006 SKU 33181MT. Price on eBay $235.00USD
The Dukes of Hazzard
Ertl/Joyride Studios - 1969 Dodge Charger - General Lee - 1/18 scale
Chase Version Released 2006 SKU 39181MT. Price on eBay $799.99USD
Standard Version Released 2005 SKU 39181. Price on eBay $275.00USD
Ertl/Joyride Studios - 1969 Dodge Charger - 1/18 scale Black Version 2006 SKU 32485AP
Limited Edition 252. Price on eBay $5,000AUD
The Fast and Furious
Ertl/Joyride Studios - 1970 Dodge Charger - 1/18 scale Chase Version Released 2005 SKU 33025MT. Price on eBay $950.00USD
Standard Version Released 2003 SKU 36973. Price on eBay $250.00USD
James Bond
Ertl/Joyride Studios - Lotus Esprit - 1/18 scale
Chase Version Released 2005 SKU 33852. Price on eBay GBP1,299.00 ($1,741.18USD)
Standard Version Released 2005 SKU 33852. Price on eBay GBP499.99 ($670.19USD)
Ertl/Joyride Studios - Aston Martin V2 Vanquish - 1/18 scale
Chase Version Released 2005 SKU 33849MT. Price on eBay $175.00USD
Standard Version Released 2005 SKU 33849. Price on eBay $149.99USD
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Knight Rider
Ertl/Joyride Studios - K.I.T.T - Trans Am - 1/18 scale
Standard Version Released 2005 SKU 33844. Price on eBay $399.99USD
Chase Version Released 2006 SKU 33844MT. Price on eBay $1,121USD
Scooby-Doo
Johnny Lightning - The Mystery Machine - 1/64 scale
Chase Version Released 2004 SKU 994-01 - 362-04. Price on eBay $39.99USD
Standard Version Released 2002 SKU 994-01 - 362-23. Price on eBay $20.00USD
Starsky and Hutch
Ertl/Joyride Studios - Ford Gran Torino - 1/18 scale
The Starsky & Hutch Ford Gran Torino was released early as 2002 under varies SKU numbers.
Chase Version Released 2003 SKU 33151E. Price on eBay $800.00USD
Standard Version Released 2005 SKU 33151. Price on eBay GBP 130.00 ($174.25USD)
Chase cars are more than just rarities—they’re the heartbeat of die-cast collecting. Whether you’re hunting any classic or retro die-car, the chase keeps the hobby exciting.
If you’re building your own collection, keep an eye on the details—you never know when a regular peg warmer might turn out to be a hidden gem.
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